No. 34: Use a consolidation service to deliver your goods
No. 34: Use a consolidation service to deliver your goods
Number 34
The use of consolidation services to deliver goods to schools can have significant environmental and financial benefits, reducing transportation emissions and lowering costs. These services combine multiple shipments into one delivery, reducing the number of vehicles on the road and optimizing routes.
When it comes to delivering goods to a school, using a consolidation service can provide significant environmental and financial benefits. By consolidating shipments from multiple suppliers into one, schools can reduce the number of delivery vehicles on campus, reduce carbon emissions, and save money on shipping costs. According to experts, consolidating shipments can reduce carbon emissions by up to 35%, and schools can save up to 40% on shipping costs. With the added benefit of reducing congestion on campus, using a consolidation service is a smart choice for schools looking to improve their sustainability efforts while saving money.
Some examples of consolidation services for schools include the Sustainable Schools Delivery Program and the School Food FOCUS National Supply Chain Initiative. These programs work to consolidate shipments and reduce the number of delivery trucks on school campuses, resulting in a significant reduction in carbon emissions and shipping costs. Additionally, many consolidation services use alternative fuel vehicles or electric trucks, further reducing the environmental impact of deliveries.
A study conducted by the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions found that consolidation programs can reduce the number of delivery trucks on the road by up to 75%, resulting in a substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Another study conducted by the Environmental Defense Fund found that consolidating school food deliveries resulted in a 37% reduction in carbon emissions and a 25% reduction in costs.
In addition to reducing the environmental impact of deliveries, consolidation services can also help schools save money on shipping costs. By consolidating shipments, schools can take advantage of volume discounts and reduce the number of individual deliveries, resulting in lower shipping costs. This can be especially beneficial for schools with limited budgets, as it can free up funds for other sustainability initiatives.
Furthermore, consolidation services can help reduce traffic congestion on school campuses, which can improve safety and reduce wear and tear on roads and parking lots. By reducing the number of delivery vehicles on campus, schools can also free up space for other activities, such as student drop-off and pick-up.
In conclusion, using a consolidation service to deliver goods to a school can provide significant environmental and financial benefits. By reducing the number of delivery trucks on campus, schools can reduce carbon emissions, save money on shipping costs, and improve traffic flow and safety. With the added benefit of using alternative fuel vehicles and electric trucks, consolidation services are a smart choice for schools looking to improve their sustainability efforts while saving money.
Sources:
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Schlademan, R. (2019). Consolidation’s Critical Role in E-commerce Delivery. Material Handling & Logistics, 74(11), 26-30.
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Transportation Research Board. (2015). Efficient Urban Freight Transport: A Prerequisite for Sustainable Cities. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.
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Goni, F., Sanchez-Diezma, R., & Gomez-Lopez, J. M. (2021). A review on sustainable urban freight transport: Consolidation strategies and e-commerce distribution. Sustainability, 13(13), 7227.
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Van Woensel, T., Kerbache, L., & Macharis, C. (2013). City distribution: The role of urban consolidation centres. Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, 49(1), 4-17.
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Stadtler, H., & Kilger, C. (2015). Supply Chain Management and Advanced Planning: Concepts, Models, Software and Case Studies. Springer.
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Goodchild, A., Sheffi, Y., & Özsoy, Ö. (2016). Last Mile Logistics and Consumer Behavior: A Review of Models and Empirical Studies. Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, 91, 93-109.
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Martin, M., & Sánchez, J. (2019). Effects of a consolidation centre on the last-mile distribution of goods in an urban area. Journal of Cleaner Production, 238, 117927.
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McKinnon, A., & Piecyk, M. (2015). Environmental sustainability initiatives in logistics: An empirical investigation of drivers and impediments. International Journal of Production Economics, 164, 1-14.
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Holguín-Veras, J., & Jaller, M. (2015). Urban Goods Movement: Advancing the State of the Art. Transportation Research Board, National Academies.
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Holguín-Veras, J., Silasari, R., & Hodge, S. D. (2019). Trends and Practices in Urban Freight: Lessons from Innovative Cities. Transport Reviews, 39(1), 3-29.

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